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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 12/21/2001 WORKSHOPWORKSHOP CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DECEMBER 21, 2001 CALL TO ORDER A. ROLL CALL – All Present B. REPORT POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported the Agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None WORKSHOP: THE FOLLOWING ARE COMMENTS AND CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, NOT NECESSARILY IN ORDER, NOR CATEGORIZED BY WHOM. A. DOWNTOWN PARKING DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING Susan Harrell, Director of Finance, Redevelopment Director, Director of Facilities and Parks, Convention Center Director, Director of Downtown Development present for questions and summaries. Susan Harrell, gave power point presentation on financing alternatives, copy attached. Reller-Spurgin stated Wessman has closed underground parking at DFP used by Follies. Oden stated the area has been getting significant vandalism in the lower parking lot. Mayor questioned if the proposed parking structure would be metered. Ms. Harrell stated that employers would be purchasing spaces to offset the operating and maintenance of the structure. Director of Downtown Development stated the structure could be modified to pay for parking if desired; problem issue is that the concept was presented to public as free parking for downtown; employee space needed is 385 spaces. Mayor questioned if escalation was built in for employee space costs. Ms. Harrell stated no. B. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION AND FINANCING Susan Harrell, Director of Finance & Treasurer and Convention Center Director Ms. Harrell reviewed a handout, copy attached. Mayor questioned with the expansion if the Convention Center could handle an additional event per week, keeping in mind the break down and set up process. Reller-Spurgin questioned if the goal was to attain bigger conventions. Convention Center Director stated an additional event could be handled and that the goal would be for sizable events. That an overlap of events is what is needed. Mayor questioned immediate need. Director of Convention Center stated kitchen remodel, new carpeting, HVAC system, Springs Theater and security system. Mayor questioned if the temporary tent structure would be used. Convention Center Director stated no room would be left after the expansion for the tent. Mills stated that is the expansion runs out of room a second story is possible. Director of Finance stated that the estimates of construction and the financing mechanisms are conservative and that his opinion is that the ranges are safe and should be close estimates. C. DESERT FASHION PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING Susan Harrell, Redevelopment Director, Director of Finance & Treasurer, Director of Downtown Development. Ms. Harrell reviewed a handout, copy attached. Director of Downtown Development stated this is a failed property; that the best uses being investigated; that state of the art theaters are being reviewed; that restaurants and a mix like the River complex; that the bonds will be completed in 2019. Reller-Spurgin left at 3:16 p.m. D. SKATE PARK PROJECT AND FINANCING City Manager recapped the numbers for Scheme A plans of the Skate Park and swim center improvements; and added there are enough funds to get started. Reller-Spurgin entered at 3:30 p.m. Reller-Spurgin stated that private-public fundraising opportunities should start. City Manager stated there are three main projects that the Council is facing; that the question is whether the City should stretch and be creative; that action will stretch City finances; but that the opportunity to do all three is available; that there will be approximately $40 million in public investments improvements. Mayor questioned what other options are pending. Redevelopment Director stated that there are housing concerns; that tax increments are entering into the picture; that the thought is to pledge the increment to those projects that will bring the greatest return to the City; that property tax is the tax increment; that restaurants are the main tax revenue raising in the City. City Manager stated there are three choices for the Council; play it safe and use the funds to offset budget deficits; do a piece or pieces, but the City will not get to where it needs to go; or do it all and be bold to take a chance; that the City does have alot of assets it can sell. Mayor stated there are other factors, beside the three projects of the City; that the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is starting its casino/hotel project; that Section 14 is starting to develop; and at stake is the need to change and move the City ahead. Reller-Spurgin stated the Council does need to be bold and move ahead. John Wessman requested a meeting with the Council to discuss the options for the Desert Fashion Plaza. Council concurred January 23, 2002 for workshop/study session on Desert Fashion Plaza. E. CHANGE OF COUNCIL MEETING TIMES AND DATES City Manager stated that the Council has as many meetings as the City of New York; and that it may be possible to reduce the number to bi-monthly; and gave handout with three options, copy attached. Oden: Option C not acceptable; Option B is too much; that Option A is the most reasonable. City Manager stated that the study session could be reduced to 2 hours. Reller-Spurgin stated only concern is if meeting does to 11:00 p.m. it is a long day. Oden commented some meetings now go to 1:00 a.m. Mills: If start study session at 2 then two hours is available for study session rather than three. Mayor consensus is that it seems that the Council is most comfortable with Option A with the Study Session starting at 1”3- p.m.; and directed staff to prepare the necessary documentation for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.